7 things to do in the UAE this week

1. Diwali by the water

Supplied

In true Dubai fashion, Al Seef is celebrating the turn in the weather until the end of the year with the Al Seef Creek Festival — the creek waterfront destination by Meraas will host weekly carnivals, activities and live entertainment shows that will allow you to have a great time in the great outdoors with your family. Until November 10, Diwali celebrations continue with live performances of Bollywood, Bhangra, semi-classical dances, a special Diwali market for all that last-minute shopping and fireworks on November 8. There’s also a Guinness Book of Records challenge attempt for the largest diya lighting at Al Seef Dhow Deck on November 10.

Out in Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld is celebrating the festival of lights today from 7pm-11pm. Along with after-dark access to the waterpark’s many rides, slides and attractions you also get to dive into authentic Indian food, interactive activities and beach games. Dh55 per person with an additional charge of Dh45 for the buffet. Call 600 511115 or visit yaswaterworld.com.

Imagine, the water, laser and fireworks show at Dubai Festival City will play out to the tune of Bollywood hit Jai Ho in celebration of Diwali. Great weather, A.R Rahman’s feel-good anthem in the background and a sky full of fireworks? Sounds like a lit Diwali.

2. Off Script, on stage

Supplied

Tragi-comedy takes on a whole new meaning with Enter Macbeth. The funny play from Tall Tale productions running at The Junction today and tomorrow take two of the bard’s iconic tragedies, Hamlet and Macbeth, and throw in some whacky plot twists and capers into the mix. When the characters of the play Hamlet realise that a principal character has gone missing and the script will be shelved, they start recruiting characters from other scripts in the First Folio (the first published collection of Shakespeare’s plays) such as Macbeth — and pandemonium ensues, including appearances by Lord Voldemort and Darth Vader. To see or not to see, shouldn’t even be a question. Evening show at 7.30pm today and tomorrow and a matinee show at 3pm tomorrow. Tickets cost Dh100 at platinumlist.net.

3. Girl power

Supplied

The Pink Ladies Games 2018 kicks off tomorrow as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Overcome six fun obstacles, including volleyball, kayaking, petanque and caterpillar crawls. You can sign up as an individual or as part of a team of five to join in the fun at the third edition of the event whose proceeds go to support The Pink Caravan breast cancer charity who receive 20 per cent of your entry fees. Registration is Dh200 per person, Dh1,000 per team. From 6.30am-11.15am; visit uae.pinkladiesgames.com.

4. H for Healthy

Supplied

H Retreats is conducting ‘Mindful Eating & Body Perception’ tomorrow at Dukes Dubai. The day-long mindfulness session will see psychologist Briar Jacques help participants explore links between meditation and intuitive eating; the effects of conditioning about beauty, size and ageing; nutrition and life coach Victoria Tepper focuses on the connection between our mind and gut; followed by a bespoke training session with body transformational therapist Jenna Lincoln. From 9am–5.30pm, for Dh845 per person, including a healthy three-course lunch. Visit hretreats.com.

5. Around the world in platefuls

Supplied

Tuck into good food at the Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet’s annual food festival this weekend at City Walk. Running until tomorrow, there’ll be a variety of stalls serving delicacies from India, Asia, Europe, Jamaica and the Middle East – celebrate the similarities, differences and individuality of cuisines from around the world. Multicultural musical performances will underscore the global cuisines and kids can keep busy with fun activities like Zumba and magic shows. From 2pm-11pm today and 12pm-10pm tomorrow.

6. Fit, fitter, fittest

We’re one week into the Dubai Fitness Challenge and there are plenty of events and activities to keep your momentum going until November 24!

The Cigna Park Run is back this Saturday, November 3 at Al Ittihad Park on Palm Jumeirah. Joggers, sprinters as well as serious runners can sign up for a 2.5km or 5km run. And Cigna will also provide an onsite blood pressure screening clinic. Registration costs Dh100, which covers your entry to running events for the rest of the year and gives you a souvenir T-shirt and custom timing chip. Race starts at 8am; visit cignaparkrun.com.

The Dubai Festival City half marathon kicks off on November 9 with five different race lengths to test all ages and abilities. For kids aged four to 10 years old there’s a 1km run, and an untimed 3km race, open to those aged eight and above. The 5km, 10km and 21km half marathon events are split into age categories, from 10-14 years old to 60+. Registration closes on November 3; visit premieronline.com. Entry fees start form Dh42- Dh231.

Also on November 9 is the Reebok Wadi Bih Run, Hatta Edition. This gruelling race is one for experienced sprinters – there’s a 70km, 35km and 20km course and you can bring kids for their first 2.5km trail run. Those taking part will receive official timing, a certificate, medal, refreshments, a T-shirt and even a post-event packed lunch at Hatta Fort Hotel. From 4.30pm. Individual entry fees from Dh105 –Dh315, team entry fees cost Dh1,575 (for 70km course only). Visit wadibih.com.

7. Boo at Sea

Supplied

Forget The Flying Dutchman. The QE2 is transforming into a ghost ship today with a trio of spooky events –Friday brunch at Lido turns into frightening feast with ghost games and a trick-or-treat tour of the ship for little ones. From 1pm-4pm; packages from Dh295 per adult and Dh165 for children. Dinner and a horror show awaits diners at the The Grand Lounge’s Hollywood Horror Show in the evening. Sup from a delicious buffet to the backdrop of terrifying dance acts and live music – expect Thriller, Beetlejuice and more. From Dh200 per person, from 9pm-12am. Visit qe2.com.